I rode a lot in the mid '60s; BSA Lightning Rocket, Triumph Bonneville and, believe it or not, a Sears 175cc. Last rides were Honda 305 Hawk and 450. Ah, the good old days! Drum brakes that faded at 40mph, zener diode charging systems (didn't need a headlight dimmer, just slow down), simple electrics (only an ignition switch and headlight)and ya had to kick it to make it go!
Took a 50 year hiatus and now ride a Hyosung GV 650.
http://www.hyosungmotorsusa.com/product/introduction.asp?cat=Cruise&model=GV650650 cc, dual overhead cam, 4 valves/cylinder, 12.5:1 compression and redlines at 11,500 rpm. A cruiser with the heart of a crotch rocket! Small on displacement big on go fast (for a cruiser). It is my transportation of choice, grocery shopping, commuter before retiring and the occasional 250 mile round trip just because. Not enough torque for two up which is okay 'cause you couldn't get my wife on it at gunpoint. She calls it a suicycle.
Both of your choices are air cooled. Very traditional and only issue would be rush hour traffic for Houston commutes. 59 south or 45 north would fry the engine with all the sitting and waiting; air cooled bikes need motion to cool. Of the two you've mentioned the Yamaha would probably suit you best--unless the plan is to get two bikes! Honda and Kawasaki both offer nice water cooled V twins.
May I suggest
http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/ for apparel? I bought Fieldshear armored jackets (retail $300) for >$70 and similar savings on helmets and gloves. Jackets in the plural, you say? Yeah, one for winter and one for summer. The summer jacket is mesh and it's cooler than wearing a tee shirt--like wearing a sun shade.
Ride safe and USE THE FRONT BRAKE every time.